18 Unexplored Hill Stations In India To Visit Before Everyone Else Gets There

Come vacations, long or short, don’t we just love to plan our trips? It is a different thing that many plans do not end up materialising! While many of us are lucky enough to have successful vacations, there are a few of us who end up aborting the plans fearing the overcrowded tourist destinations. Well, its high time we set out to explore those hidden locations which are not that crowded and complete to bliss to spend time at.

We bring to you such places in India which remain untouched by commercial tourism and boast of their natural beauty and charm.

1. Mirik, West Bengal

Imagine looking at Mt. Kangchenjunga while walking around a 3.5 km long track that encircles a beautiful lake which is surrounded by a dense ‘Dhupi forest’, tea and flower plantations. You can also indulge in some boating, horse riding or fish-feeding.This quaint hill station is located in Darjeeling and in close proximity to many sight seeing spots like Bokar Monastery, Kawley Dara, Rameetay Dara, Tingling Viewing Gallery, Orange orchards and Devi Sthan.

2. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’ by many, Chopta forms a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary with its meadows and lush forests. One can see snow clad peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba in the Himalayan range from this unspoiled beauty. Chopta is home to some rare species of birds and musk deer. The whole area is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron.

3. Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Located around 38 kms from Mussourie, one of the most visited hill stations in India, Kanatal remains unspoilt and untouched due to the same fact, as most tourists head for Mussourie for vacations instead of exploring the nearby towns! Be it taking a jeep ride in the jungle to spot wild animals, or trekking through the Kodia Jungle, or indulging in thrilling adventure sports like rock climing, rappelling or valley crossing, Kanatal has it all! Few spots not to be missed in Kanatal are Surkanda Devi Temple and Chamba, which is about 17 kms from Kanatal.

4. Haflong, Assam

The only hill station in Assam, Haflong is a land of lush greens hills, magnificent warterfalls and abounding streams. Among the main attractions here are the Haflong hill and Haflong lake, which can leave you spellbound with their natural beauty. Haflong hill is a perfect place to have family picnics or jst stroll around with your fellow travellers. Not too far away (rougly 47kms) is a place called Maibong which is known for its Hindu Temple of Ramchandi.

5. Coonoor, Kerala

If you looking for trekking expeditions down south, then you should head to Coonoor, which is the secong largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills (after Ooty) in Tamil Nadu. Coonoor is also known for its Nilgiri Tea production, and sight seeing spots like Sim’s Park which is a Botanical Garden housing various types of flora, Lamb Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose, St. Catherine Falls and Law’s falls. Once there, make sure you take the train ride on The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also called the Toy Train, which crosses through the Nilgiris and makes for an unforgattable journey.

6. Chikhaldara, Maharashtra

The only coffee producing region of Maharasatra, Chikaldhara is known for the mythological story related to it. It has a plethora of waterfalls and lakes surrounded by lush greens all around. It is home to many wild animals like tigers, panthers, sloth bears, sambars, wild boars and wild dogs. The places to explore here are Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point, Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, The Tribal Museum, Semadoh Lake and Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens.

7. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

A hub of sight seeing activities, Yercaud boasts of its prime tourist attractions like Botanical Garden, Shevaroy Temple, Big Lake, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point and Bear’s cave. Yercaud is a hill station in Tamil Nadu with the magnificent highest point there being the Servarayan Temple at 5,326 feet.

8. Idukki, Kerala

Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Idukki is the second largest district of Kerala, but has the lowest population density as more than half of is covered by forests. Among the places of interest in Idukki are Thrissanku Hills, Meesapulimala, Urumbikkara, Kalvari Mount, Idukki Dam and Anayirankal Dam reservoir.

9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

This beautiful town in the Himalayas is home to the second largest Buddhist monastery (gompa) in the world. From trekking in fresh mountain air and witnessing some of the most breathtaking sights or strolling around the gorgeous glacier lakes or praying at the 400 years old Tawang Gompa to eating authentic Tibetan delicacies, Tawang gurarantees a splendid and unforgettable vacation.

 

10. Pelling, Sikkim

This small town is ideal if you want a place with an eyeful of mountains, giving you spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountain ranges. The town maintains its charm and serenity despite being loaded with tourist attractions such as Khecheopari Lake, Changey Waterfall, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi Waterfalls, Sewaro Rock Garden and many more. There are various places here where you can indulge in activities like fishing (Rimbi), hot stone bath, milking a cow, meditate at meditation centres and jungle walking.

11. Shimoga, Karnataka

This not-so-popular town in Karnataka is home not only to various waterfalls, trekking passes, mountains and viewpoints, but also wild animals, snakes and butterflies. Hence, it can be considered as a photographer’s paradise. Sight seeing spots not to be missed are Jog Falls, Ikkeri Temple, Varadahalli, Ganjur Dam, Thirthalli, Agumbe (Cherapunji of Karnataka), Linganamakki Dam, Kodachadri mountain, Shivappanayaka’s Fort, Sharavathi Wild Life Sancturary and Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.

12. Ponmudi, Kerala

Around 62 kms north-east of Thiruvananthapuram, lies this quaint beauty of a hill station which is known for the tea gardens in and around it and the crystal clear water of river Kallar running through it, being surrounded by lush greens. The town is heaven for trekkers and hikers. While here, do not forget to visit the Freshwater srpings of Kallar, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Lion and Deer Park, Golden Valley, Agasthiya Biological Park and Meenmutti Falls which lie close to this hill station.

13. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

If you are looking for an off-beat location where you can just forget about your mundane lifstyles and hectic work schedules, then head to Tirthan Valley. Situated in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, it is a perfect place to lose yourself and find yourself! Trek around the valley, go fishing, discover the wonders of wildllife or just relax soaking in the breathtaking views of the valley and mountains, this place has something for everyone. It is a hidden gem not frequented by many and thereby, retains its natural beauty magnificently.

14. Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Comparatively more frequented than the others on this list, Dhanaulti owes its popularity due to its proximity to Mussourie, one of the most popular hill stations of north India. While Dhanaulti does not offer much in terms of sight seeing which is mainly limited to the Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple, staying here for a couple of days is pure bliss. It offers serenity and fresh clean air along with trekking oppuritunities. My personal favourite is the drive from Mussourie to Dhanaulti, comprising of winding well-maintained roads, clean fresh air and views that leave you spellbound.

15. Chaukori, Uttarakhand

At a height of 2,010 metres aove sea level, Chaukori is one of those rare places which not only offers you splendid views of Nanda Devi and Panchchuli but also of nearby tea gardens and fruit orchards. Among the places of interest are Berinag which is famous of its snake temples, thick forests, water streams and tea gardens and Dharamghar which is known for its beautiful views of the mighty Himalayas.

16. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu

About 150 kms from Bangalore, lies this fascinating hill station at 920 metres above sea level, amidst four mountains. Yelagiri comprises of 14 small villages which are inhabited by tribals engaged in horticulture, agriculiture and forestry. Among the things you can do here are visit the Doc Bosco Centre, go trekking at Swami Malai, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Uphill, indulge in boating at Punganur Lake, visit the Vainu Bappu Solar Observatory and walk through the Kodai Vizha Ground soaking in the beauty of nature.

17. Kausani, Uttarakhand

This tranquil town offers you spectacular views of the Himalayan Range from every nook and corner of this place! While it is pleasant in summers, the winters gets very cold, although in all times it is advisable to carry an umbrella! One can witness a panoramic view of the Nanda Devi Biosphere from a distance of 300 kms away and it is unforgettable. Places to visit in and around Kausani are Gandhi Ashram, Baijnath Temple, Shawl Factory and Girihas Tea Factory.

18. Landsdowne, Uttarakhand

Located in the Pauri-Garhwal District of thr Garhwal region, this peaceful town is untouched by noise, pollution and tourist-mobs and the credit goes to the presence of local Army Cantonment Board which manages and regulates the development in the town. It is located at an altitude of 1,700 metres above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of Himalayan peak Chaukhamba on a clear day. The places to see in and around Landsdowne include Bhullatal Kale, Kaleshwar Mahadev Tenple, Garhwal Rifles Museum, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Snow View Point, Tip-in Top, St. Mary’s Church and Santoshi Mata Temple.

These little towns and villages are hidden treasures as they have been spoilt by man made developments and its ill-effects. They are able to preserve their old-world charm and that is what sets them apart from the run-of-the-mill holiday destinations. Well, as actually that is what a holiday should comprise of – away from the pollution and stress, into the wilderness, close to the nature and a lifetime of wonderful and unforgettably unique memories!